Heads up, there are spoilers on the way, so read no further if you don’t want to know how HIMYM ended!
If you read my review of the series finale, you’ll know two things — I’m glad they had the balls to actually let Tracy die, and I absolutely hated that the whole thing led up to Ted and Robin’s getting back together. People have been split between their love and hate of the finale, so the creators teased us with the fact that there was indeed an alternate ending, and that we could see it if we bought (nudge nudge, wink wink), the complete series when it is released on DVD later this month.
I’m still gonna pick it up, but thankfully the alternate ending has been released out into the wild for anyone to see who doesn’t want to drop $200 on the series. Check it out here:
I see why they didn’t go with this take. The first minute or so filled with the “and then I did this, and then I did that” was grueling to watch; flashbacks can be a useful tool, but only when used judiciously. My biggest complaint of this season was how long and drawn out it was, and all those flashbacks did was remind me of that; there was no need to cover this material again.
Also, not letting Tracy die didn’t follow through with the hints they’d been dropping for over a season. Her death really resonated and delivered a huge emotional impact that last ten minutes or so really needed. While changing this meant that Ted obviously wouldn’t get back together with Robin, it would have gutted the best part of the finale.
The only thing that was pulled off well was rolling credits right after Ted and Tracy met. I have gone back and forth about whether or not that’s how the ending should have played out, and since the finale gave us enough of a view into how their lives turned out, it would have been perfect.
All in all, I’m glad they went with their original choice, even if some things should have turned out differently. Either finale, though, was a fitting end to a wonderful show.
What do you think? Was it great the way it was, or should they have gone with this version instead? Let us know in the comments below!